The Sanctity of Child Rearing

The Sanctity of Child Rearing
“…Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” ( Mt. 19:14 )
The infant at birth is but a biological entity in a new
environment and devoid of a knowledge base to negociate
in it. The philosopher, John Locke asserted that, at birth,
the infant’s mind is lack a chalk board – on in computer
terminology, a blank screen, but susceptible to
impressions entered thereon. Hence, the infant is in need of
and an extended period of nurture and training to be
successfully transformed into a normal human being.
Since the 4th Sunday at Institutional is devoted to a
child focused worship and, today, it will include a
dedication of a child, the sermon was entitled, “The
Sanctity of Child Rearing”. It will be anchored by the
following three concerns or parameters, namely:
p. 2
the significant of human training often referred to as
socialization, some biblical anchors for training, and
the positive outcomes from a Christian anchored
child training with the home.
The traditional synopsis of the scriptural anchor is
omitted thereby allowing more time to develop the
divisions of the sermon entitled, The Sanctity of Child
Rearing. Since the concept Sanctity undergirds this sermon,
it must first be defined as used in the subject. Accordingly,
that logical demand is herein fulfilled by specifying the
definition as used herein. Sanctity, in this connection,
refers to the “ holiness of life and character, godliness, and
the quality or state of being holy or sacred…” . Using this
definition of sanctity, the subject presents child rearing as
an opportunity and, concurrently, an obligation to view

p. 3
this responsibility as a sacred charge given by God to hand
a part in his handiwork as specified in Psalm 8:4-6.
Against this definition of sanctity, attention is now
turned to the first dimension of the subject which is-
the significance of human training for the normal
development of the child.
Child and Developmental Psychologists along with
numerous related professional have conducted innumerable
studies on the impact of nurture and systematic training
for the normal development of a child. In the absence of
such essential experiences, the child will experience a
deficit in developmental process. Although not often
discussed is a rare phenomenon known as ‘the wolf’
children.
While there are sundry accounts of children being

p. 4
abandoned in the open woodland, there is a documented
narrative of two girls in a remote wilderness of India
having survived with and adopted some behaviors of
wolves. The girls were named Amala and Kamala.
They crawled instead of walked, the growled instead
of talk, and they could see better at night that in the
day. Upon being discovered and rescued, both girls
lived but for a short time with the older one making
more progress toward human behavior than the younger
one.
Although many years have passed since the Indian
Cleric discovered the two girls, there are countless children
being abandoned, trafficked, and even murdered owing to
poverty and/or national disasters. Fortunately, we in
America are blessed to be spared of such inhumane

p. 5
actions toward our children. However, there are challenges
confronting parents and significant others with child training
obligations. This fact leads to the second dimension of the
sermon which is –
Against the background on an extreme example of
physical and social deprivation in child rearing, attention
will now be directed to the first dimension of the sermon
which is – some Biblical anchors for sanctity in child
rearing. Since growth and development are expectations
in child rearing, an important question becomes is there
biblical list of indicators for child rearing? The answer is
a resounding yes! It is found the physician and gospel
writer – Luke’s – narrative of how Jesus, the child, grew.
Luke wrote, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in
Spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was

p. 6
upon him.” ( Lk. 2: 40 ). Within this one verse is an
indication of physical development from foods or substance,
interaction with the child, telling it about God because
Luke noted that the child was waxed strong in the Spirit.
Additionally components of this training must have
included conversations in which decisions and conclusions
must have been sought as noted in Luke’s reference to the
child being filled with wisdom. From this type of implied
sanctity of child rearing efforts, the efforts of Joseph and
Mary must have pleased God since Luke noted that the
grace of God was upon him. Their efforts, in later years,
was an undergirding force that helped to structure and
sustain Jesus during his earthly ministry.
While this presentation on the early life of Jesus
is rich with implications, it must be noted that the Bible
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has many other references, in both the Old and New,
Testaments on the significance and consequence
of sanctity in the child rearing process. Just two are
herein cited: “Train up a child the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it.” ( Pr. 22:6 ).
The second reference comes from the New Testament
and was uttered by Paul to Timothy. He reminded Timothy
of the faith held by both his grandmother and mother that
he was persuaded that in him also it must be present.
( 2nd Tim. 1:5 ).
Before introducing the third aspect of this sermon,
it is appropriate the indicate the time span between the
First Century and this 21st Century. Although the Bible is
yet tenable in its message, the socio cultural scene has
greatly changed. Some obvious indicators include electronic
p. 8
technology, social media, parental indifference, child
disrespect, child abuse laws and innumerable other
social malfunctions. Despite these troubling realities,
it is nonetheless to plan and implement rules and
regulations with the home. Whenever such measures
are prayerfully enforced, there will be positive outcomes
within the family setting. This fact leads to the final
concern of the sermon which is – What will sanctity in
child rearing produce? The answer is far too extensive for
inclusion herein. Hence, only a outcomes will be submitted.
First, there will be peace, respect, and appreciation within
the unit. Next, the book of Proverbs, asserts the mother’s
“…children arise us, and call her blessed…” (21:28). Thirdly,
upon maturing, the individual can truthfully say, “When
I was a child, I spake as a child. I understood as a child,

p. 9
I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put
away childish things” ( 1st Cor 13:11 ). Finally, the unit
will know and can appreciate the poetic statement –
The Family that prays together stays together. Amen!

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